“We’ve been an AMAG dealer for over 25 years. So, we brought AMAG in as a partner and started looking at ways to serve ACI. AMAG’s open architecture made a big difference, and now we’re all working together to manage the deployment of ACI’s AMAG’ Symmetry System across the world.”
ACI’s Chubb had previous positive experience with both SEi and AMAG. “I was with a company that was a client of SEi and used AMAG Technology. Because of the relationship through that company, I was comfortable with them and there was a certain level of trust.”
Chubb continues, “If we’re going to have a relationship, I look for the long term rather than just buying a product; I look for what we’re going to do in the future, what we’re trying to accomplish, and I look for that partner to help us put that in place.”
Compliance and audits are always top of mind, Chubb says. “Because of PCI, ISO, GDPR*, and other standards, we’re highly regulated and audited to a high standard.”
Passing client audits is vital, too. “Every time an ACI client or prospective client does an audit or assessment of our physical security, they’re bringing in people to look at our security, and that’s a factor in them working with us.”
Another major factor for ACI is data-management efficiency. From the start, ACI’s Global Physical Security Operations Manager Steve Litherland stressed the importance of a single, integrated solution: one that could support everything from CCTV to automating Active Directory HR functions and other identity management, along with visitor management and GDPR-compliant access control. What’s more, that single platform had to allow functionality to be added as needed – without adding platforms or databases.
Delivering state-of-the-art technology and excellent customer service
The solution was AMAG’s latest Symmetry M4000 Controller. Although it functions as a door controller, the M4000 opens a whole new world of streamlined security options.
When the project began, SEi had spec’d the M4000 and was just rolling it out. This timing turned out to be an advantage. ACI was able to contribute to the development of very specific M4000 features: features that now benefit other M4000 users worldwide. And ACI, SEi, and AMAG continue to work together on M4000 updates.
This collaborative spirit applies to other relationships – and continues off the clock, too. Chubb recalled the GSX Orlando show dinner with the CEOs of AMAG and Salient Systems (AMAG Technology Partner and Symmetry CompleteView VMS developer). Chubb asked about certain functionalities he saw in several other CCTV offerings, but said he didn’t want to manage two different platforms to get those features. The CEOs listened, started planning right there at the table, and now AMAG and Salient have incorporated those functionalities into Symmetry CompleteView.
As the global installation continues, the team is also working on adding facial recognition. Again, data-privacy laws around the world are a factor, and single platform integration is key.
Litherland says ACI is looking at mobile technology for combining biometrics and access control, especially in light of GDPR requirements.
Efficiency and simplicity are “musts,” too, Litherland says. “Just like we want to have things at our fingertips in terms of ease of use, we want the same for our employees … we want to make sure it's easier for them to use.
“So, we'll look at the next six months of testing and reviewing. That’s where, ever-evolving technology comes into play.”
SEi’s Jason Cloudt says: “The deployment continues; around 27 of 36 ACI facilities are using Symmetry now, with more in progress. Ultimately all ACI facilities globally will be on board.”
The project has evolved into a collegial relationship with an exceptional level of partnership and trust. Litherland has been invited to AMAG’s U.S. facility, and Cloudt sees Litherland and Chubb as major contributors to the M4000’s development – and of course, SEi’s successful rollout.
Chubb says “We're extremely active clients and have frequent meetings with SEi. Whenever we kick off a new project, we include AMAG in the meetings, too, and they’ve been very responsive. Quite honestly, they’re an integral part of what we do.”
Thanks to open architecture, open-minded collaboration, and dedicated teamwork with a true solutions mindset, ACI and SEi are an integral part of what AMAG does, too.
Challenge
Update and unite disparate access control and identity management systems in nearly 40 locations around the world on one platform that supports multiple integrated present and future functions, including options from other providers.
Solution
Symmetry M4000 Intelligent Controller and Symmetry Access Control with CompleteView Video Management, CONNECT Identity Management, and GUEST Visitor Management
Results
Rollout +80% complete, cellphone tech/facial recognition in development. Global solution in place, and working smoothly.